Koneru Humpy, the Indian Grandmaster, announced her decision to withdraw from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. She raised concerns about her personal safety despite assurances from the organisers, and eventually decided to withdraw from the competition. The Candidates, which will determine the challengers for the world championship, is scheduled to take place in Paphos, Cyprus, on March 28.
“After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament,” Humpy said in a statement on X.
“No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances. This is a painful but necessary decision, and I stand by it,” she added.
Her withdrawal from the competition is a major setback for India, as she was one of the leading contenders in the tournament. Earlier this week, Humpy had stated that she was hesitant to travel and was considering withdrawing from the tournament.
Earlier, a British airbase in Cyprus was attacked by a drone, raising fears among players. Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, lies south of Turkey and is a member of the European Union.
